Name: La Flor Dominicana Oro Tubo No. 6 Maduro

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Parejo

Size: Toro (6 inches x 54)

Strength: Full

Paired with a medium-bodied Merlot, this cigar became something to talk about. It was strong and aromatic. The flavors I got from it changed and developed as I enjoyed bites of Lebanese mezze and occasional sips of arak. (It’s funny how I wanted to have wine, but I also had to have arak simply because there was Lebanese mezze on the table. I need to take it easy on the booze this year. But that’s another story.) Overall, to keep our long story short, the LFD Oro Tubo No. 6 Maduro is a smoke made for people who like strong, aromatic cigars. It’s good stuff, and I wouldn’t mind lighting one up again.

Name: Dominican Big Leaguer Maduro Doble Prensado Extra Viejo Gorda

Country: Dominican Republic

Shape: Box-Pressed

Size: Gordo (5 3/4 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium

The brand was new to me, so naturally, I had to try it. From the different options available, I went with the DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo. The plan was to smoke it in the lounge, so I made sure I picked one that suits my style and would last a while. And I was impressed. The DBL M.D.P. Extra Viejo Gorda is attractive, affordable, and it tastes great. That means I will smoke many more of them in 2023.

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Branding: Red, black, and gold. Looks royal.

Construction: Great.

Pre-light: An appetizing dessert.

Cut: Straight cut. Easy, no problems.

Burn: Burns gently, beautifully. Nothing to complain about.

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Draw: Excellent.

Smoke: Generous. Cloud maker.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: Rich. Easy to smoke. Notes of freshly baked bread, dark chocolate, and dried fruits.

Name: Plasencia Alma Fuerte Sixto II

Country: Nicaragua

Shape: Box-Pressed (Hexagon)

Size: Double Toro / Gordo (6 inches x 60)

Strength: Medium to Full

The size, the taste, the smoke. Everything was perfect. Paired with Irish whiskey, there was not a single thing I could complain about. Amazing. I will definitely smoke more of these.

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Branding: Black and gold. Shiny. Masculine. Show of force.

Construction: Excellent.

Pre-light: Hints of cocoa, tomato paste, pepper.

Cut: Straight cut, no problems.

Burn: Even burn all the way.

Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Draw: Near perfect.

Smoke: Thick. Creamy. Heavy.

Ash: Very good.

Flavor: A harmony of flavors. Rich. Notes of dark chocolate, leather, toast, and slight hints of cayenne.